Bravecto isn't inherently "better" than NexGard; they're different, with Bravecto offering longer protection (up to 12 weeks) versus NexGard's monthly dose, suiting owners who prefer fewer treatments, while NexGard is approved for younger puppies (8 weeks vs. Bravecto's 6 months) and provides Lyme disease prevention, making it better for specific needs; consult your vet to choose based on your dog's age, lifestyle, and risk factors.
Bravecto and NexGard are both effective oral flea and tick treatments, but the main difference is duration: Bravecto lasts 12 weeks, while NexGard is monthly. Bravecto (fluralaner) is given quarterly, while NexGard (afoxolaner) is given monthly, making Bravecto more convenient but NexGard suitable for younger puppies (8 weeks vs. 6 months for Bravecto). Both are tasty chews that kill existing parasites and prevent infestations, but don't repel them, and yearly costs can be similar despite different dosing schedules, according to this Reddit thread.
BREAKING THE FLEA LIFE CYCLE
Veterinary professional organizations recommend using an oral or topical flea product, such as Bravecto® (fluralaner), regularly all year round to break the flea life cycle and keep your pet flea free5.
Bravecto's main concerns involve potential severe side effects, including neurological issues like tremors and seizures, although rare, and its mechanism of acting after a bite, not repelling, meaning pets aren't protected from vector-borne diseases immediately. While the FDA deems it safe for most, owners report gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, and serious reactions, with no antidote for oral forms if issues arise, highlighting the importance of vet consultation, especially for pets with seizure history.
NexGard (afoxolaner) chews protect against fleas and ticks, and prevents Lyme infections as a direct result of killing black-legged ticks. HEARTGARD Plus prevents heartworm disease, and treats and controls hookworms and roundworms. Consider combining both products to protect dogs from most common parasitic threats.
The answer is yes, flea and tick preventatives need to be applied year-round in order to keep your pets safe. Read on to learn more about how fleas and ticks operate, the dangers they can harbor, and how best to protect your dogs and cats.
Bravecto® is the only flea and tick treatment to last at least 3 months with one convenient chew or topical dose. The Bravecto® Spot-on for dogs last for 4 months for ticks and 6 months for fleas. That means at least 3X longer lasting protection than common monthly treatments.
There are several oral prescription flea and tick medications that are safe for dogs. These preventatives come in pill and chew forms. Your vet can help you find the right one for your pup's age. Credelio Quattro is an excellent choice for flea and tick protection.
Bravecto Quantum must only be prescribed by a licensed veterinarian because professional expertise is required to properly administer the injection, to monitor for and respond to adverse reactions, to advise dog owners regarding use in breeding dogs and to define the appropriate treatment interval (8 versus 12 months) ...
Bravecto adverse reactions are uncommon. They include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, dehydration, and skin allergies. More serious but rare neurological side effects include muscle tremors, seizures, and ataxia.
Regular vacuuming, diatomaceous earth, borax, flea combs, natural flea collars, essential oil blends, nematodes, and cedar chips are some effective nontoxic flea repellent methods. Understanding the flea life cycle is essential for effective control.
Many dog flea medicines require a prescription from your veterinarian, but some are available without a vet prescription, also known as over-the-counter (OTC). Our top pick for flea and tick prevention is K9 Advantix II, an OTC topical medicine you apply monthly.
Yes, you can switch between Bravecto and NexGard. Just don't overlap doses and talk to your vet before making the change - especially if your dog has had side effects.
Benefits of Bravecto
Bravecto starts killing fleas within 8 hours and ticks within 12-48 hours of being given. And because Bravecto is prescription strength, it works very well to protect cats no matter their lifestyle. Bravecto for cats is a highly effective and long-lasting flea and tick treatment.
Fluralaner (Bravecto; Merck Animal Health) and afoxolaner (Nexgard; Merial, Inc) are isoxazoline paraciticides available as chewable tablets and marketed to kill fleas and ticks on dogs. Fluralaner is given once every 3 months and afoxolaner is given once every month.
Dogs can also become exposed at toxic quantities through the ingestion or absorption of household insect sprays, foggers, and granules. Common brands of pyrethrins/pyrethroids include: Advantix™ Vectra 3D®
Lone Star Ticks: Bravecto 3-Months treats and controls lone star ticks for 8 weeks, whereas Bravecto 1-Month treats and controls lone star ticks for 1 month in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and weighing at least 4.4 lbs.
Bravecto's main concerns involve potential severe side effects, including neurological issues like tremors and seizures, although rare, and its mechanism of acting after a bite, not repelling, meaning pets aren't protected from vector-borne diseases immediately. While the FDA deems it safe for most, owners report gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, and serious reactions, with no antidote for oral forms if issues arise, highlighting the importance of vet consultation, especially for pets with seizure history.
Both products are safe for dogs when following directions and have been approved by the FDA to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations. However, unlike Bravecto, Nexgard has not yet been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
Bravecto is prescription-only in the U.S. under federal law. Ordering without a prescription may expose you to health risks, counterfeit products, and legal liability. A Klarity Health telehealth consultation connects you with licensed vets who can prescribe Bravecto if appropriate.
Simply give your dog the missed NexGard dose right away. Going forward, just continue giving the medication monthly as scheduled. NexGard is designed to be effective even with a slight delay, but staying as consistent as possible helps protect your dog from pests.
You may also be seeing new fleas that have recently hatched and jumped onto your pet. Effective flea control agents will kill these fleas quickly before they can lay eggs. Finally, you could be spotting “hitchhiking” fleas that have found their way to your treated pet via other (untreated) animals.
Even if your dog doesn't spend a lot of time outside, fleas can easily come in through window screens, on other pets that go outside, or even on a person's pants and shoes. Veterinarians recommend flea and tick prevention regardless of how much time a dog spends outdoors.